Surprising Sleep Habits: Why Going to Bed at the Same Time Matters

What’s the connection between maintaining consistent sleep patterns and our health?

According to a British study, having a regular bedtime affects the types of bacteria found in our guts.

The study, published in the journal "European Journal of Nutrition", involved 1,000 adults providing blood and stool samples and completing a food questionnaire.

16% of participants who had inconsistent sleep schedules consumed more sugary drinks, potatoes, crackers, and chips.

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Dr. Kate Birmingham, the study's author and a senior nutrition researcher at the health science company "Zoe," noted that poor sleep quality affects our choices, leading to a stronger craving for carbohydrate-rich or sugary foods.

Consistency in Sleep Times is Key

The research team found that half of the microbiota types common in the guts of those with varied sleep schedules were linked to poor diet, obesity, and consequently higher risk of stroke and inflammation. This suggests that poor diet has negative effects on specific gut bacteria levels.

Dr. Birmingham emphasized the importance of having a diverse range of bacteria in your gut. Some are more beneficial than others, but the right balance is the key to preventing diseases.

While more research is needed to explore the link between sleep, diet, and gut bacteria, the team recommends maintaining consistent sleep times in the meantime.

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